Opening my Sunday newspaper, I discovered that on Saturday, over 100 ice fishermen had to be rescued from an ice floe, 8 miles long, when it broke away from the shore in Western Lake Erie. Warm weather and winds were blamed, but also the actions of the fishermen. Apparently, they erected a small wooden bridge over a break in the ice so that they could reach their fishing areas. Coast Guard, local fire and police were able to rescue all except one person, who died of a heart attack after falling in the water (or walking to shore - news reports differ on the facts other than he died). And now the accusations are being hurled in every direction; Local law and rescue are looking to fine fishermen for the rescue, fishermen are accusing the Coast Guard of causing the ice floe, and outdoor writers and editors are pointing their fingers at the fishermen for ignoring the weather. One long-time guide, Pat Chrysler, had this to say:
Ice fishing guide Pat Chrysler, who takes out groups in western Lake Erie, said some type of penalty is needed because too many fishermen don't want to hear about safety.
"These guys walk out there and see the airboats and think they'll be taken care of," said Chrysler, who broke his neck 13 years ago while trying to rescue three people who drove an all-terrain vehicle through the ice..
Reading through the news reports, I was struck by the anger of some of those rescued. Why were they upset? They had to leave their ATV's and catches on the ice and make arrangements to recover them at a later time. The Coast Guard and local rescue squads don't help to recover their "stuff," only stranded people. *sigh*
Link: theage.com.au: Great Lake floe kills one, traps 134 Includes a picture of the Coast Guard rescuing the fishermen
Link: Cleveland.com: Coast Guard says it's not to blame for ice breaks
Link: MSNBC.com: Exclusive: Ice Fisherman Rescued From Lake
Link: The Associated Press: Ohio rescuers advocate fines for stranded anglers Includes a map of the area and additional pictures
Comment posted by Andy Donaldson02/10/2009 07:42:04 PM
Homepage: http://blog.macian.net
Here's an article from our local paper with a different opinion on what happened.
http://www.timesreporter.com/local_news/x494344541/Area-ice-fisherman-tells-about-Lake-Erie-experience
I agree, they shouldn't have gone out there on such a warm day, but it's interesting.
Comment posted by Joe02/11/2009 08:03:21 AM
It is (almost) unbelievable how these stupid people blame everyone else for their decision to go ice fishing when conditions were not safe. Fines should be accessed and all taxpayer dollars spend on this recovery should be reimbursed. If the fisherman don't like it, next time we should leave them floating in the lake.
Comment posted by Gregg Eldred02/11/2009 08:50:20 AM
Homepage: http://www.ns-tech.com/blog/geldred.nsf
@Andy: Your link showed that the fishermen kept their cool and was able to get off the ice. But blaming the Coast Guard for creating a shipping channel in the ice for their predicament?
@Joe: Pat Chrysler is no fool when it comes to making a living on Lake Erie. The guy knows the lake. While it is nice to think of fining these people, I really don't think that it will happen. Further, I don't think that it will make a difference but it sure gives the story some legs. Warm weather, winds, and crossing open water on a homemade bridge should have been a clue that maybe it wasn't a safe day for ice fishing. I'd love to hear some of the conversations going on right now in Port Clinton, Catawba, and South Bass in the restaurants. Thanks for the comment.
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